Rock On! with Danny Coleman's entertainment picks

Welcome to my musical world! This is one man’s attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!

How often do music legends make their way to Trenton? How about members of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?

This Saturday June 16 we are lucky enough to have both so close to home at The Sun National Bank Center when Earth, Wind & Fire take the stage along with a full string orchestra for one night and one show only.

Founding member and original drummer Maurice White started the group along with friends and fellow musicians Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead after moving to California from Chicago circa 1970. This talented trio had earlier teamed up to form the group “Salty Peppers” and managed to score a recording contract with Capital Records. After some marginal success, the move to Los Angeles and a new contract with Warner Bros., White changed the band name to Earth, Wind & Fire and added members Michael Beal, Leslie Drayton, Chester Washington, Alex Thomas, Sherry Scott, Phillard Williams and younger brother Verdine White.

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This line up was intact until 1972 when Maurice decided to tear it apart and start over, keeping only his brother Verdine and rebuilding with names such as Jessica Cleaves, Ronnie Laws, Roland Bautista, Larry Dunn, Ralph Johnson and vocalist Philip Bailey. With this grouping, the band’s sound began to evolve and after a performance in New York City they were introduced to then Columbia Records president Clive Davis; it was from here on that their career really began to blossom.

Recently I caught up with bassist and original band member Verdine White via telephone from Detroit. He discussed the upcoming Trenton Show, and reflected on the band’s accomplishments and a favorite memory from their storied past.

Rock On: How is the tour going to this point?

White: It’s been great. Things are going well, we were in Tokyo two weeks ago. We are playing with an orchestra, very fun, different.

Rock On: You have a new CD out, please tell me about it?

White: It’s a two CD set called “Now, Then And Forever.” The first disc features some older tunes redone featuring Clive Davis and Lenny Kravitz among others, the second is all new and current music. Working with those guys was a pleasure, such good performers.

Rock On: Along those lines, what are the differences between the band then and now?

White: Oh, hmmmm, the band has progressed so much, we’re really multigenerational now, appealing to such a wide audience. Back in the day we started out touring in vans and station wagons; today I’d say that things are a bit more....organized.

Rock On: After years of touring and performing, is there a favorite memory that you can share?

White: They’re all great. If I had to pick I’d say, playing The Hollywood Bowl and playing at the White House. President Obama knows music, knows our music and we met him. We actually played for two Presidents, we also played for President Clinton. They were so good to us, very exciting to have met them and been a part of that.

Rock On: How does it feel to know that Earth, Wind & Fire has literally influenced a generation of musicians and artists?

White: It feels great, of course you never know that you’re doing it at the time. I mean, we didn’t start out making records with that purpose. It’s nice to know that we’ve done it when we look back.

Even though Maurice White no longer tours with the band, it is undoubtedly still his group. White remains with the band as its producer and composer. You can see his brother Verdine White along with the current line up this Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $50 to $90 and the doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, please visit www.sunnationalbankcenter.com . To read about Earth, Wind & Fire, their upcoming tour dates and more, please go to www.earthwindandfire.com .

Tonight (Thursday) at Alchemist & Barrister located at 28 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, The Noble Hearts take to the stage. Join them as they bring their original music to the forefront. Blind Lemmon Pie front man Larry Archer and RHO Waterfront sound man and all around great guitarist Lance Reichert have teamed up with bassist Kenny Kinter and drummer Bob Crossey to give this group its unique sound.

Friday finds Cedar Gardens Pub on Rte. 33 in Hamilton the place to be as “Singer/Songwriter Night 4” returns. Radio Fiction’s Matt Schifano teams up with Rock On! Radio to present a great night of acoustic talent in an intimate setting. This is the last showcase before it takes a two month hiatus for the summer season. Jersey shore area artists Kevin John Allen and Cat Cosentino will be joined by local favorites Kim Yarson and Kevin Toft for an evening of great original music. This is an early start at 8 p.m. which leaves plenty of time to also check out the 10 p.m. show of another Jersey shore area favorite, Jody Joseph at City Streets on Rte 130 in East Windsor. Joseph’s hot vocals and bluesy rocking style make for a great night of music.

Saturday evening, long time area band El Ka Bong rocks Tavern On The Lake on Main Street in Hightstown. Playing their brand of covers, these guys never fail to entertain and provide a night of high energy music.

If you have a story idea or suggestion, or you are a venue wishing to appear in the weekly listings, please contact me at Rockonradio1460@hotmail.com .

Remember to get out there and support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!